Evaluation of Abutment Scour Prediction Equations with Field Data

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with FHWA, compared predicted abutment scour depths, computed with selected predictive equations, with field observations collected at 144 bridges in South Carolina and at eight bridges from the National Bridge Scour Database. Predictive equations published in the 4th edition of "Evaluating Scour at Bridges" (Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18) were used in this comparison, including the original Froehlich, the modified Froehlich, the Sturm, the Maryland, and the HIRE equations. The comparisons showed that most equations tended to provide conservative estimates of scour that at times were excessive (as large as 158 ft). Equations also produced underpredictions of scour, but with less frequency. Although the equations provide an important resource for evaluating abutment scour at bridges, the results of this investigation show the importance of using engineering judgment in conjunction with these equations.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2025-12
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Evaluation+of+Abutment+Scour+Prediction+Equations+with+Field+Data&author=S.+Benedict&author=N.+Deshpande&author=N.+Aziz&publication_year=2007
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309104524
• Authors:
  • Benedict, Stephen T
  • Deshpande, Nikhil
  • Aziz, Nadim M
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 118-126
• Monograph Title: Highway Facility Design 2007
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2025
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Equations; Mathematical prediction; Scour
• Uncontrolled Terms: Field data
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01046082
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309104524
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 8 2007 5:31PM